Man charged in burglary at Rick’s Performance Center

LAS CRUCES — The man suspected of breaking into and burglarizing an automotive parts store on Feb. 13 is facing three felony charges, according to the Las Cruces Police Department.

Justin Mitchell Elder, 35, of the 3000 block of Camino Real, was charged with non-residential burglary, tampering with evidence and larceny, all fourth-degree felonies.

Shortly before 2 a.m. Feb. 13, officers were dispatched to the report of a burglary at Rick’s Performance Center, 138 Wyatt Drive.

Police said officers learned that someone broke through a front glass door, entered the store and stole several money bags from the business.

Images of the suspect were circulated on social media, and police said they received numerous tips identifying the possible suspect. Detectives identified Elder as the suspect.

Police said Elder used a large rock to break into the store and then stole several money bags that contained cash and other documents. Elder indicated that he hid the money bags in an undeveloped area west of Las Cruces, police said. Detectives went to that location and retrieved the stolen property, police said.

Elder was arrested Feb. 17 for violating terms of parole and was in custody when charges in the Feb. 13 burglary were filed against him.

He was released from the Doña Ana County Detention Center on March 8 and is in the custody of the New Mexico Corrections Department.